Subtract 18/56 from 5/40
5/40 - 18/56 is -11/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
5/40 = 5 × 7/40 × 7 = 35/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
18/56 = 18 × 5/56 × 5 = 90/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/280 - 90/280 = 35 - 90/280 = -55/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/40-18/56 5/40-36/56 5/80-18/56 15/40-18/56 5/40-54/56 25/40-18/56 5/40-90/56 35/40-18/56